CARS NEW DESIGN 2011: November 2009

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Monday, November 30, 2009

2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV by Jada Toys

Toyota Launches European 2010 Land Cruiser

Toyota has unveiled the European version of the Toyota Land Cruiser that is very different and smaller than the version that we have here in the US.

The European Land Cruiser is powered by a 3.0L diesel with 171 horsepower and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The body on frame design yields 8.5 inches of ground clearance and gives the SUV the ability to wade through 27.6 inches of water.

Toyota will offer the European Land Cruiser in three trim levels with prices ranging from £29,795 to £44,795. Of course we won't get this model in the US badged as a Toyota, but it could be a clue to what to expect from the Lexus GX 460.

LA 2009 Preview: 2011 Mazda2 US-Spec. Set to Debut

Mazda has finally made it official that the small Mazda2 is going to be sold in the U.S. and Canada by the end of 2010. The 2011 Mazda2 will officially be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month.

The Mazda2 shares its platform with the Ford Fiesta, which is also set to have its US debut at the show. Mazda has released one teaser of the subcompact, but didn't release any details about the engine lineup and what body styles we will receive. The preview shows the rear of the five-door hatchback model, so we can at least expect that model.

PRESS RELEASE:

North American Mazda2 to Debut at 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show

Hiroshima, Japan, 18 November 2009. Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the Mazda2 at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. The globally-acclaimed Mazda2 brings a level of style and driving dynamics to the North American sub-compact segment that no other competitor can offer. The vehicle will be sold in the U.S. and Canada beginning in late 2010. The LA Auto Show press days are 2-3 December; public days run from 4 through 13 December.

"Bringing Mazda2 to North America completes the bookends in our line-up," said Jim O'Sullivan, President and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. "With the seven- passenger crossover CX-9 at one end and the sub-compact Mazda2 at the other, Mazda's line-up now spans the most significant product segments in the industry, and is the strongest, best-designed, best-built we have ever offered. Mazda2 will be true to everything that makes our cars stand apart from the competition: it will be stylish, fun-to-drive and a heck of a value. In short, it will be the definition of Zoom-Zoom."

Mazda2 has been a sales and media success in markets around the world, winning 48 awards and being recognized as Car of the Year in more than 20 countries. Additionally, Mazda2 was named "2008 World Car of the Year," besting all other new cars around the world.

Mazda's press conference is scheduled to take place from 11:05 to 11:30 (local time) on Wednesday, 2 December 2009.
Main Exhibits

Scheduled for sale
Mazda2 North American specification (North American premiere)

Models currently on sale
Mazda3, Mazda3 MPS, Mazda5, Mazda6, Mazda MX-5, Mazda RX-8, Mazda CX-7, Mazda CX-9

2010 Ford Fusion Captures Motor Trend's Car of the Year Award

Ford is definitely on a roll right now and the good news keeps coming in. Today Motor Trend announced that the 2010 Ford Fusion is the recipient of its Car of the Year award.

The 2010 Ford Fusion managed to beat out 23 other models for the award, which included the Toyota Prius, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Ford also had three models this year that were in the running for the award. The Taurus, Fusion and Mustang.

"The MOTOR TREND Car of the Year award is another testament of our commitment to delivering a world-class car lineup," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Ford Global Product Development, who accepted the golden calipers on behalf of the Ford team. "Whether it is the best-in-class fuel economy or quality unsurpassed by Toyota or Honda, the Fusion and Fusion Hybrid are clear evidence that Ford is serious about our car lineup."

This announcement comes on the heels of Ford announcing that the Fusion is now the best-selling midsize domestic sedan in the US and that the model is now in the list of top ten selling vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG 2009

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Lutz Confirms the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon is on the Way

In addition to news about future of the Regal and Impala, GM's Bob Lutz has also confirmed that the Cadillac Sport Wagon is also going to be offered as a CTS-V Sport Wagon. This means that buyers will be able to get the CTS-V any way they want it, since the CTS-V will also be offered as a coupe.

Car and Driver recently got some alone time with Lutz, in which he stated, "You know what's really going to get you guys [on board with wagons] is the CTS-V wagon."

BMW Delays the Launch of the Next X3 in the U.S. to Mid-2011

BMW is going to delay the introduction of the next X3 by six months to launch a new system that will make it easier for buyers to custom order the X3.

This means that the next X3 will not arrive in US showrooms until mid-2011, a full six months after it launches in Europe. The delay will also allow BMW the ability to offer up to four different engines, which will lower the base price of the X3. According to Jim O'Donnell, president of BMW of North America, the X3 could be offered with a four-cylinder and a diesel in addition to the six-cylinder engines. BMW is going to decide by the end of the year if a four-cyl or six-cyl diesel will be offered. Production of the X3 is also going to X3 will shift from Magna Steyr in Austria to BMW's Spartanburg, S.C., factory.

Of course this delay is going to hurt sales of the X3. Its sales are off 67 percent this year.

Lutz States that 335-HP Buick Regal GS and Sport Wagon Could Happen

Last week GM officially unveiled the 2011 Buick Regal, which many of you may easily recognize as the Opel Insignia with a Buick grille. Well it looks like GM has more in the works than just the front-wheel-drive four-cyl powered Regals that were unveiled.

Bob Lutz confirmed that GM is discussing the possibility of 335-hp all-wheel-drive model, which makes sense, since Opel offers the Insignia OPC with a 325-hp turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive. In addition to a more powerful Regal, Lutz also stated that GM is considering a Regal Sport Wagon.

Next Chevy Impala to Stay Front-Wheel-Drive, but a Hybrid is in the Works

Now that the Pontiac G8 is officially dead there had been rumors of it living on as a Chevy. Many of us were hoping that GM would release a consumer version of its upcoming 2011 Chevy Caprice police patrol vehicle. Well those rumors were put to rest and now Bob Lutz has confirmed that the next generation Chevy Impala will keep its front-wheel-drive layout.

Lutz didn't provide much detail about the next Impala, only saying that it will be slightly larger. The next Impala will also be compatible with GM's hybrid technology, so an Impala hybrid is expected at some point.

2010 Lexus GX 460 to Debut at Guangzhou Auto Show

Lexus has confirmed that the 2010 Lexus GX 460 SUV will debut at the Guangzhou Auto Show on November 23.

Lexus did not provide any details about the redesigned SUV other than the fact that the name changes from GX 470 to GX 460, which means that it is expected to get the same 4.6L V8 that powers the Toyota Tundra and Sequoia. It puts out 310 horsepower in the Tundra. The Lexus GX 460 is based on the same body-on-frame platform as the new 2010 Toyota 4Runner.

The 2010 Lexus GX 460 is expected in showrooms this December.